GB2494438A

GB2494438A - Water usage monitoring device

Info

Publication number: GB2494438A
Application number: GB1115560.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Tim Robertson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-09-09
Filing date: 2011-09-09
Publication date: 2013-03-13
Also published as: GB201115560D0

Abstract

A water usage monitoring device for a shower comprises timing means configured to time the duration of water flow in a shower and counter means to indicate the number of times an individual has used the shower. A feedback device is operatively connected to the timing means and/or the counter means and configured to control and/or display water usage from showering. The timer means may comprise an electronic timer, a sand timer or a clockwork timer and the counter means may comprise an electronic counter or a manual counter such as a slider arrangement or a circular dial. Feedback means may comprise a novelty device such as an image.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN WATER USAGE MONITORING DEVICES

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a system and device for monitoring water usage, particularly water usage when showering.

Background of the Invention

Water authorities, Government bodies and industry suppliers are actively encouraging consumers to conserve water within their households. There are numerous devices on the market to help the consumer to monitor their water consumption and restrict their water usage.

Considerable emphasis is placed on saving water in residential, commercial and educational premises. Consumers are being encouraged to opt for a shower over a taking a bath in a bid to conserve water supply. A full bathtub holds around 140 litres of water, whereas a standard shower head dispenses around 10 to 15 litres per minute. The choice of taking a shower over a bath is therefore only likely to conserve water if the time spent showering is monitored or controlled.

There exist several timing devices for the very purpose of helping the consumer control the time spent showering, and therefore the volume of water used during the bathing process. These tend to consist of timing devices such as sand timers that the user activates upon turning on the water supply.

They are then required to keep an eye on the timer, and to stop showering as soon as the time has run out. However, these devices require the user to keep track of the time remaining and to be sure that they have washed themselves sufficiently before the time has run out. There is little or no incentive to aim to reduce the time spent showering, and if they haven't finished in time, it is highly likely they will continue to run the shower until they have done.

Other solutions include push-button showers that can often be found within shower blocks at gymnasiums, camp sites and other commercial areas.

These deliver a fixed quantity of water per press. However, it is highly likely that the consumer will continue to activate the push-button until they have had a sufficient shower. Without a limit to the number of times the push button can be activated per shower, it is not a suitable method of controlling water usage.

None of these devices provide feedback to the user that encourages them to consider conserving water, or rewards them when they have made use of a device that has made a water saving. None of these devices offer an incentive to use a water saving devices whilst showering.

Prior Art

European patent application EP-A-2 131 163 discloses a water detection device for indicating a volume of water used when turning on a tap or using a shower. The device comprises a liquid sensor to detect when water is flowing through a pipe, a timer that is activated when the liquid sensor detects the flow of water, and means to calculate from these two figures the volume of water used. The device also incorporates a display, to alert the user to the volume of water that has been used.

Such device provides one solution, however whilst it alert's the user to the volume of water that they have used, it does not accommodate novelty items or user feedback, as an incentive to use less water or as a reward for considering their water usage.

By providing an incentive and feedback to the user to encourage them to use less water, will ensure an appreciable saving in water costs and resources, and it is to meet this objective that the present invention provides

Summary of the Invention

A water usage monitoring device for a shower, comprising: timing means configured to time the duration of water flow in a shower; counter means to indicate the number of times an individual has used the shower; and a feedback device operatively connected to the timing means and/or the counter means, configured to control and/or display water usage from showering.

Preferably, the timing means may comprise an electronic timer.

Alternatively, the timing means may comprise a sand timer.

In a further configuration the timing means may comprise a clockwork timer.

The counter means may comprise an electronic counter.

Preferably the counter means may comprise a manual counter.

The manual counter may comprise a slider arrangement.

Alternatively the manual counter may comprise a circular dial.

Preferably, the counter means may be configured such that the value increases by one every time the timer means is activated.

The counter means may comprise a plurality of counter devices configured to correspond to the number of users of the shower.

The feedback device may be operatively connected to the timing means and/or counter means by wireless means.

The wireless means may be by infra red transmitter and receiver.

Alternatively, the wireless means may be by radio transmitter and receiver.

Or, the wireless means may be by BluetoothTM.

The feedback device may comprise means to automatically shut-off a water supply to the shower when the timing means exceeds a predetermined value.

The automatic shut-off device may comprise a valve within a water supply pipe that leads to the shower.

The feedback device may comprise an audible alert.

Preferably, the audible alert is configured to alert within the shower when the timing means passes predetermined time intervals.

Alternatively and/or additionally, the feedback device may comprise visual means.

Preferably the visual means comprises a series of light-emitting diodes.

Alternatively, the visual means may comprise a LCD display, configured to display a value such as the volume of water used during a shower.

Or the visual means may comprise a computer screen, configured to display water usage data.

The feedback device may comprise a novelty device.

The novelty device may be a passive novelty device, from the group comprising: specific images, shapes or representations of real world experiences such as: houses, cars, geographical scenes, images or backdrops from television programmes, films, cartoons or video games; real or fictitious buildings or places.

Further, the novelty device may be a passive novelty device, from the group comprising: devices in the form of obelisks, buildings, imaginary places, sub-sea locations, a shipwreck scene, with recesses and indentations and raised portions on which images are shown.

Or the novelty device may be a passive novelty device, from the group comprising: pirates, sea horses, star fish, treasure chest, mermaids and fish, a cave scene, or one on which is printed a desert island, or a village scene with shops and a duck pond, or a garage, or a playground or a hospital.

Alternatively, the novelty device may comprise a passive novelty device, from the group comprising: famous characters, whether real or imaginary, formed or printed on the surface of the water usage monitoring device and optionally the water usage monitoring device may be formed in the shape of a bust or torso or other body part so as to create a novelty item.

Ideally the novelty device is adapted to be attached to a wall with a suction cup and may be rotated by a user. Novelty faces and/or figures may be arranged around the timer.

The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 is a front view of a first embodiment of a water usage monitoring device, with timing means, counter means and feedback device operatively connected; Figure 2 shows a front view of a further embodiment of a water usage monitoring device according to the invention, showing a sand timer as a timing means, slider counter means and manual feedback chart; Figure 3 is the front view of figure 2 showing a circular dial as the counter means and graphical feedback chart; Figure 4 illustrates, in front view, an electronic arrangement of timer, counter and feedback means; Figure 5 shows in front view, a further embodiment of electronic feedback means, with plurality of electronic tallies that correspond to each user; Figure 6 illustrates a water usage monitoring device wirelessly connected to a means to shut-off the water supply to a shower; Figure 7 shows the water usage monitoring device of figure 6, with a series of light-emitting diodes as the feedback device to indicate time remaining; Figure 8 illustrates a further embodiment of feedback device within the shower, with an LCD display screen; Figure 9 shows the water usage monitoring device wirelessly connected to a computer; and, Figure 10 illustrates the water usage monitoring device with one embodiment of an interactive novelty device affixed to the shower.

Detailed Description of the illustrated embodiment

As shown in figure 1, the water usage monitoring device 1 comprises a timing means 2, counter means 3 and feedback device 4 to assist a user with monitoring their water usage when showering. The timing means 2, counter means 3 and feedback device 4 are shown in figure 1 as electronic devices, that are either mains powered or powered by batteries, not shown. The timer means 2 is activated when a user begins showering, either by motion sensor means, water sensor means, or by manual interaction of the user with the water usage monitoring device 1. The user activates the timing means 2 and begins showering.

The counting means 3 is configured such that it keeps a running tally of the number of showers that a user has taken over a predetermined period of time, such as a week or month. The counting means 3 when taken in conjunction with the timing means 2, can help to plot data in relation to the showering habits and water usage levels of an individual.

The feedback device 4 as shown in figure 1 comprises an electronic display.

The feedback device 4 may provide the user with audible alerts during the showering process, to give an indication of time elapsed, and to encourage the user to reduce the time they spend showering, and therefore the volume of water used. The feedback device 4 may alternatively, or additionally, comprise visual feedback and encouragement to a user. The visual means may consist of an LCD screen that displays the total volume of water a user has used over a period of time when showering. It may also display other data that is useful to encourage the user to reduce the time they take, and therefore the volume of water used, when showering.

Figure 2 shows an alternative embodiment of timing means 2 that comprises a passive device such as a sand timer. The user rotates the sand timer about the peg 7, to begin to time the shower according to the amount of sand transferred between chambers. In a further configuration of counting means 3, the water usage monitoring device incorporates a passive counting means 3 or slider arrangement that can be moved along a sliding scale to indicate the number of showers that have been taken. An alternative feedback device 4 in such an arrangement comprises a reward chart, whereby a user is encouraged through the displayed chart to reduce their water usage. For instance, a user may be rewarded with stickers 5 to place on the feedback device 4 to indicate where they have made an improvement in conserving water through showering.

Figure 3 shows a similar arrangement of water usage monitoring device to figure 2, although the counting means comprises a circular dial, and feedback device 4 comprises a graphical display 6. The user can plot the number of showers they have taken and the time taken for these showers onto the graphical display 6 to encourage them to use less water. The circular dial may be configured such that when the timing means 2 is activated, the circular dial automatically increases the value displayed by one, to automatically tally the number of showers taken, and remove the need for the user to have to remember to move this on by one each time they shower.

As shown in figure 4, the water usage monitoring device 1 in one embodiment comprises an all in one device with timing means 2, counting means 3 and feedback device 4 all in one system. The timing means 2, counting means 3 and feedback device 4 all incorporate electronic displays 8 such as LCD screens to relay values to the user. The water usage monitoring device 1 may incorporate a plurality of control buttons 9 to allow a user to input data into the water usage monitoring device, such as to increase the counting means 3 by one integer, or to reset the timing means 2. The feedback device 4 may also incorporate means to keep a running tally 11 of the total volume of water used. Such a running tally 11 may also be controlled to be $ specific to each shower user, as shown in figure 5. The water usage monitoring device 1 allows for a series of user IDs 12 to be inputted into the device, so that each member of a household can keep a running tally of their water usage when showering. Such an arrangement is likely to encourage competitiveness between users, to keep the running tally 11 as low as possible.

Figure 6 shows an arrangement of water usage monitoring device 1 whereby the feedback device 4 is an active device affixed to the pipe work 14 within the shower 13. The timing means 2 incorporates a transmitter 16 to transmit a signal by infra red, radio or otherwise, to a receiver 17 within the feedback device 4 within the shower 13. The feedback device 4 is configured within the pipe work 14 such that it can stop the supply of water to the shower 13 when the timing means 2 reaches a predetermined value. The automatic shut-off of the water supply may comprise a valve within the pipe work 14, not shown.

Figure 7 shows a similar configuration of water usage monitoring device 1 to figure 6, although with feedback 4 within the shower 13 comprising visual means of assisting the user with monitoring their water usage. The feedback device 4 comprises a series of light-emitting diodes 15 that are configured such that the series of lights are illuminated after predetermined time intervals. Such an arrangement is thought to assist a user with being aware of how much time remains during their shower, and to therefore encourage them to use less water.

In figure 8, the feedback device 4 comprises an electronic display 8, that can relay information whilst showering to a user. Such information might include the duration of the shower so far, the volume of water used so far, or encouragement to reduce the total volume of water used.

In figure 9, the feedback device 4 comprises software delivered through computer software run by a computer 18 or online on a website. The data from the timing means 2 and counting means 3 is transmitted either through wires or wirelessly, to the computer. The data can therefore be organised to display water usage, and to encourage an improved performance by using less water with each shower.

Figure 10 shows an in-shower feedback device 4 that comprises one embodiment of an interactive novelty device 19. The interactive novelty device 19 in this configuration comprises a structure representative of a user's body, and encourages the user to indicate when they have washed each area of their body. Such an interactive novelty is thought to encourage a user to be sure that whilst reducing the time taken to shower on the timing means 2, they are also sufficiently washing themselves. An interactive novelty 19 is thought to encourage children in particular to be aware of water usage whilst showering.

The figures are provided for illustrative purposes only. The shape, size, colour, format and location of the device in relation to the shower as well as the shape, size, colour, format and location of the feedback device may be variable and is understood not to be limited by the designs depicted in the figures.

It is preferable for the liquid displacement device 1 to be installed within a toilet cistern in its inflated form in the required position before the container 2 is filled with water. Alternatively, it can be installed prior to inflation.

The water usage monitoring device 1 as described herein is clearly distinguished from and advantageous over such known devices for a similar purpose including shower timers, sand timers proposed for use within a shower, and devices that automatically control the volume of water dispensed by a shower. Jo

It is to be appreciated that these Figures are for illustration purposes only and other configurations are possible.

The invention has been described by way of several embodiments, with modifications and alternatives, but having read and understood this description, further embodiments and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. All such embodiments and modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the present invention as defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

<claim-text>Claims 1. A water usage monitoring device for a shower, comprising: timing means configured to time the duration of water flow in a shower; counter means to indicate the number of times an individual has used the shower; and a feedback device operatively connected to the timing means and/or the counter means, configured to control and/or display water usage from showering.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. A water usage monitoring device according to claim 1 wherein the timing means comprises an electronic timer.</claim-text> <claim-text>3. A water usage monitoring device according to claim 1 wherein the timing means comprises a sand timer.</claim-text> <claim-text>4. A water usage monitoring device according to claim 1 wherein the timing means is a clockwork timer.</claim-text> <claim-text>5. A water usage monitoring device according to claims 1 to 4 wherein the counter means comprises an electronic counter.</claim-text> <claim-text>6. A water usage monitoring device according to claims 1 to 4 wherein the counter means comprises a manual counter.</claim-text> <claim-text>7. A water usage monitoring device according to claim 6 wherein the manual counter comprises a slider arrangement.</claim-text> <claim-text>8. A water usage monitoring device according to claim 6 wherein the manual counter comprises a circular dial.</claim-text> <claim-text>9. A water usage monitoring device according to any preceding claim wherein the counter means is configured such that the value increases by one every time the timer means is activated.</claim-text> <claim-text>10. A water usage monitoring device according to any preceding claim wherein the counter means comprises a plurality of counter devices configured to correspond to the number of users of the shower.</claim-text> <claim-text>11. A water usage monitoring device according to any preceding claim wherein the feedback device is operatively connected to the timing means and/or counter means by wireless means.</claim-text> <claim-text>12. A water usage monitoring device according to claim 11 wherein the wireless means is by infra red transmitter and receiver.</claim-text> <claim-text>13. A water usage monitoring device according to claim 11 wherein the wireless means is by radio transmitter and receiver.</claim-text> <claim-text>14. A water usage monitoring device according to claim 11 wherein the wireless means is by BluetoothTM.</claim-text> <claim-text>15. A water usage monitoring device according to any preceding claim wherein the feedback device comprises means to automatically shut-off a water supply to the shower when the timing means exceeds a predetermined value.</claim-text> <claim-text>16. A water usage monitoring device according to claim 15 wherein the automatic shut-off device comprises a valve within a water supply pipe that leads to the shower.</claim-text> <claim-text>17. A water usage monitoring device according to any preceding claim, wherein the feedback device comprises an audible alert.</claim-text> <claim-text>18. A water usage monitoring device according to claim 17 wherein the audible alert is configured to alert within the shower when the timing means passes predetermined time intervals.</claim-text> <claim-text>19. A water usage monitoring device according to any preceding claim wherein the feedback device comprises visual means.</claim-text> <claim-text>20. A water usage monitoring device according to claim 19 wherein the visual means comprises a series of light-emitting diodes.</claim-text> <claim-text>21. A water usage monitoring device according to claim 19 wherein the visual means comprises a LCD display, configured to display a value such as the volume of water used during a shower.</claim-text> <claim-text>22. A water usage monitoring device according to claim 19 wherein the visual means comprises a computer screen, configured to display water usage data.</claim-text> <claim-text>23. A water usage monitoring device according to any preceding claim wherein the feedback device comprises a novelty device.</claim-text> <claim-text>24. A water usage monitoring device according to claim 23 wherein the novelty device is a passive novelty device, from the group comprising: specific images, shapes or representations of real world experiences such as: houses, cars, geographical scenes, images or backdrops from television programmes, films, cartoons or video games; real or fictitious buildings or places.</claim-text> <claim-text>25. A water usage monitoring device according to claim 23 wherein the novelty device is a passive novelty device, from the group comprising: devices in the form of obelisks, buildings, imaginary places, sub-sea locations, a shipwreck scene, with recesses and indentations and raised portions on which images are shown.</claim-text> <claim-text>26. A water usage monitoring device according to claim 23 wherein the novelty device is a passive novelty device, from the group comprising: pirates, sea horses, star fish, treasure chest, mermaids and fish, a cave scene, or one on which is printed a desert island, or a village scene with shops and a duck pond, or a garage, or a playground or a hospital.</claim-text> <claim-text>27. A water usage monitoring device according to claim 23 wherein the novelty device is a passive novelty device, from the group comprising: famous characters, whether real or imaginary, formed or printed on the surface of the water usage monitoring device and optionally the water usage monitoring device may be formed in the shape of a bust or torso or other body part so as to create a novelty item.</claim-text> <claim-text>28. A water usage monitoring device substantially as described herein with reference to the drawings.</claim-text>